AliousReports suggest Aston Villa are eyeing a surprising swap deal to sign Conor Gallagher, but will it work?
With Gallagher currently at England’s training camp for Euro 2024, clarity on the Chelsea midfielder’s future – and the interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur – may be delayed. However, Villa have already begun formal talks, according to The Guardian.
Chelsea reportedly want £50m for Gallagher, but with just a year left on his £50,000-per-week contract, this might be a tough ask.
Complicating matters, Villa need to sell players this summer to comply with Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), making the £50m fee potentially out of reach.
Chelsea also need to offload homegrown players to balance their books, which might explain The Guardian’s claim that Villa are considering including Colombian striker Jhon Durán in the deal.
Chelsea have been monitoring Durán, who fits their desired youthful and technical player profile and would bolster their front line.
Durán, signed from Chicago Fire for an initial £14.75m, has struggled for a starting spot at Villa Park but showed promise with five goals in limited Premier League action last season.
Although talented, he is not essential at Villa given Ollie Watkins’ dominance, making him a valuable asset more for his potential than current contributions.
Valuing Durán is challenging.
He was initially valued at £20m, but without proving his worth further, his price remains uncertain.
If a deal is brokered, Chelsea would gain profit from a homegrown player sale and a potential striker reinforcement, while Villa secures a known quantity in Gallagher, addressing their midfield needs amid Boubacar Kamara’s injury and potential bids for Douglas Luiz.
For Spurs, acquiring Gallagher would likely require a significant financial offer.
Chelsea would prefer selling to Villa over a rival like Spurs, appeasing their fans reluctant to see another academy product leave.
Meanwhile, Chelsea might have other targets, like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, making a Durán priority uncertain.
Overall, the swap deal has its benefits for both clubs, though Chelsea must decide if Durán’s potential is enough in exchange for Gallagher.
Alious
